6‑Year‑Old Develops Severe Myopia After Hours of Screen Use

A six‑year‑old girl, identified as Niệu Niệu, was diagnosed with extreme myopia of 12 diopters, putting her at high risk of total blindness. Doctors attribute the condition to prolonged daily exposure to smartphones and tablets—at least three hours a day from a very young age—used by parents to soothe the child. The rapid progression is linked to ocular strain, tear‑film disruption, and retinal vein blockage, which can irreversibly damage the optic nerve.

Medical experts warn that children’s eyes are especially vulnerable and cite national health advisories that discourage any screen exposure for infants and toddlers. The case underscores the dangers of unchecked device use and calls for stricter parental guidance and public awareness about limiting screen time for young children.